This universal aspect of Blume’s storytelling is what appealed to television mogul Mara Brock Akil when she was 12 and read “Forever” for the first time.

Mara Brock Akil, showrunner of Netflix's gender-swapped, L.A.-set 'Forever,' explains why Blume's work is as relevant as ever — and attracting Hollywood's attention.

Creator Mara Brock Akil's take on the 1975 YA classic moves the action to 2018 Los Angeles, following two Black teens as they navigate the ups and downs of first love.